Concrete stamping apparatus

ABSTRACT

A concrete stamping apparatus includes a roller with a stamp forming its surface, and a receiving portion for rotatably holding the roller. There is also a system for delivering fluid to the roller along its surface, such that it releases easily from the concrete. The receiving portion can be adjustably weighted, such that the roller will stamp the concrete uniformly as the concrete tightens.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/603,340, entitled: CONCRETE STAMPING APPARATUS,filed on Jun. 25, 2003. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/603,340 isincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for stampingconcrete with patterns, textures or both.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Concrete is a staple in the construction industry. It is apreferred material because of its costs. Concrete is typically poured inslabs. Typically, the poured concrete slabs are given a broom finishpattern, by merely sweeping over the concrete with a broom or the likeand letting it harden and dry.

[0004] Other finish patterns can be put into concrete, to create otheraesthetically pleasing surfaces. These finish patterns are typically“stamped” into the concrete by placing flat mats with patterns over theconcrete, tamping the mats, with rods and the like, into contact withthe wet concrete, and removing these flat mats.

[0005] This method of using the patterned mats is subject to numerousdrawbacks. Initially, the amount of concrete that can be worked on in aday is limited. These amounts are typically about 15 yards per pour,three times a day, resulting in about 45 yards per day. Additionally,the tamping for each 15 yard portion takes time. Should other 15 yardportions be poured in parallel, they be tamped later in time, when theconcrete is tightened, resulting in a non-uniform pattern being stampedinto adjacent portions. Finally, stamping in this manner requiresjudgment of an experienced, well trained workperson, to judge when thestamping process will be optimal. This is because this kind of stampingcan not be performed when the concrete is too wet or alternately, too“tight” or dry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides apparatus and methods for stampinglarge volumes of concrete in short time spans, with stamps, of patterns,textures or both. The resultant stamping is uniform over the entireseries of concrete slabs. A single apparatus of the invention can beused on concrete when it is both wet and tightening, eliminating theneed for switching stamps and/or machinery to achieve uniform stampingas the concrete is worked at different stages of its tightening. Theapparatus is easy to operate and can be operated by concrete workers ofall skill levels, eliminating errors associated with human judgment aswell as the need for skilled concrete stamping personnel. The apparatusis also such that it does not require the preparation and stamping time,as associated with conventional stamping mats, allowing for more yardsof concrete to be poured and subsequently stamped in a workday or worksession, than with these contemporary methods and devices.

[0007] The present invention provides an apparatus, to which weight canbe added, to accommodate stamping during the tightening of the concrete.By adding this weight, a uniform stamping can be achieved, with theresultant, stamp, of patterns, textures, or both being uniform among allof the slabs in a series of poured concrete slabs.

[0008] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a stampingapparatus. This stamping apparatus includes a roller, the rollerincluding a surface defined by a stamp; and a receiver portion, forexample, a support member, for receiving the roller in a rotatableengagement. The receiver portion is configured for weighting the roller.The stamp can include a pattern, a texture, or combinations of patternsand textures.

[0009] Another embodiment is directed to a stamping apparatus includinga roller received by a receiver portion, for example, a support member.The roller includes a surface defined by a stamp, and the receiverreceives the roller in a rotatable engagement, and includes at least oneholder for holding removable weights. The stamp includes a pattern, atexture, or combinations thereof.

[0010] Another embodiment is directed to a stamping apparatus. Thisapparatus includes a roller, the roller including a surface of at leastone layer including a stamp therein; and a receiver portion forreceiving the roller in a rotatable engagement. This receiver portionalso includes at least one holder for holding removable weights. Thestamp includes a pattern, a texture, or combinations thereof.

[0011] Another embodiment is directed to a method for stamping concrete.This method includes providing a stamping apparatus including a roller,the roller including a surface defined by a stamp; and a receiverportion (e.g., a support member) for receiving the roller in a rotatableengagement, the receiver portion configured for weighting the roller;weighting to the receiver portion in accordance with the tightness ofthe concrete being worked; and moving the apparatus over the concretebeing worked for stamping the concrete in accordance with the stamp. Theweighting process can include adding, subtracting or simply not addingany weight to the receiver portion. The stamp includes a pattern, atexture, or combinations thereof.

[0012] Another embodiment is directed to a method for making a concretestamp. This method includes providing a mold for a roller having asubstantially cylindrical shaped cavity and an inner wall, the innerwall including an imprint corresponding to a stamp; placing materialinto contact with the inner wall to form a layer that includes a stampcorresponding to the imprint; and filling at least a substantial portionof the remaining cavity with a filler material to form a body for theroller. The roller can then be released from the mold. The imprint forthe stamp can include a pattern, a texture or combinations thereof.

[0013] Another embodiment is directed to a stamping apparatus having aroller, including a surface defined by a stamp, a receiver portion forreceiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, and a fluid transportsystem. The fluid transport system includes at least one conduit forproviding fluid to the roller along the surface. The fluid facilitatesrelease (separation) of the roller from the concrete, and can be forexample, water, oil, a water-based composition, an oil-basedcomposition, a petroleum-based composition, or the like. The at leastone conduit is typically a single conduit or line that typicallybranches into sublines, or alternately a single subline. These sublinesare configured for extending at least to the receiver portion forproviding fluid to the roller along the surface.

[0014] Another embodiment is directed to a stamping apparatus having aroller, the roller including a surface defined by a stamp, a receiverportion for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiverportion configured for weighting the roller; and a fluid transportsystem. This fluid transport system includes at least one conduit forproviding fluid to the roller along the surface. The at least oneconduit is typically a single conduit or line that typically branchesinto sublines, or alternately a single subline. These sublines areconfigured for extending at least to the receiver portion for providingfluid to the roller along the surface.

[0015] Another embodiment is directed to a method for stamping concrete.This method includes providing a stamping apparatus having a roller, theroller including a surface defined by a stamp, a receiver portion forreceiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, and a fluid transportsystem, the system including at least one conduit for providing fluid tothe roller along the surface. The apparatus is then moved over theconcrete being worked for stamping the concrete in accordance with thestamp, and typically when needed, the fluid transport system isactivated, releasing fluid onto the surface of the roller.

[0016] Another embodiment details a method for stamping concrete, wherethere is provided a stamping apparatus including a roller, the rollerincluding a surface defined by a stamp, a receiver portion for receivingthe roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiver portion configuredfor weighting the roller, and a fluid transport system, the systemincluding at least one conduit for providing fluid to the roller alongthe surface. The receiver portion is weighted in accordance with thetightness of the concrete being worked, and the apparatus is moved overthe concrete being worked for stamping the concrete in accordance withthe stamp. Typically, when needed, the fluid transport system isactivated, releasing fluid onto the surface of the roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Attention is now directed to the attached drawings, wherein likereference numerals indicate corresponding or like components. In thedrawings:

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention in use in an exemplary operation also inaccordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.;

[0020]FIG. 3A shows a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2,taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0021]FIG. 3B shows a cross sectional view of an alternate roller forthe apparatus of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2,taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

[0023]FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a mold and a manufacturing process forthe apparatus of FIG. 1 with a portion broken away;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the mold shown in FIG. 5,taken along line 6-6;

[0025]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of theapparatus of the invention;

[0026]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of theapparatus of the invention;

[0027]FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross sections of the apparatus of FIG. 8,taken along lines 9-9 and 10-10, respectively;

[0028]FIG. 11 shows a diagram of a mold and a manufacturing process forthe apparatus of FIG. 8 with a portion broken away;

[0029]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the mold shown in FIG. 11,taken along line 12-12;

[0030]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of theapparatus of the invention;

[0031]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of theinvention;

[0032]FIG. 15 is a front view of the a portion of the embodiment of FIG.14;

[0033]FIG. 16 is a front view of the frame of the embodiment of FIG. 14;

[0034]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 shownin an exemplary operation in accordance with the present invention; and

[0035]FIG. 18 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of the invention,and in particular, an alternate embodiment of the embodiment of FIGS.14-17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036]FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 20 of the present invention in anexemplary operation. Here, the apparatus 20 is being pulled, as a user(not shown) pulls a handle 21 of the apparatus 20, along a drying(tightening) concrete slab 22 (in the direction of the arrow 23 a). Thismovement of the roller 24 causes it to rotate (in the direction of thearrow 23 b), such that the roller 24, with a stamp or imprint 26defining its outer surface 28, on a layer 30 of the roller 24, transfersthe stamp or imprint 26 to, or “stamps”, the concrete 22. Here, a stampof a pattern and a texture (corresponding to the stamp 26 on the roller24), for example, that of worn brick, has been stamped into a portion 22a of the concrete 22 by the apparatus 20.

[0037] Turning also to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the roller 24 connects to thehandle 21 by a support member 31. The roller 24 is rotatably attached tothe support member 31 by an axle 32, whose ends are received in openings34 in lateral members 36 of the support member 31. The axle 32 ismaintained in place by bolts 38, caps or the like.

[0038] Alternately, as shown in FIG. 3B, the roller 24 can have its axlein two portions 32 a, 32 b. These axle portions 32 a, 32 b wouldrotatably attach the roller 24 to the support member 31, as detailedabove.

[0039] These lateral members 36 are supported by a cross bar 40 of thesupport member 31. The lateral members 36 and cross bar 40 are typicallyof metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel or the like. This cross bar40 typically attaches to the lateral members 36 by bolts, screws orother mechanical type fasteners. Additional securement may be withwelds, adhesives and the like. Alternately, the support member 31 may beunitary member, formed of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel orthe like, with the lateral members 36 bent downward from the cross bar40. A joint 42, typically pivotal, for receiving and engaging the handle21 is typically attached to the cross bar 40, for example, byconventional fastening structures and methods.

[0040] The cross bar 40 itself is of a weight, such that a sufficientimprinting or stamping can be made in wet concrete. The cross bar 40 isalso of sufficient strength such that it can support additional weight,that is placed onto it when desired. Weight holders, for example, posts44, extend from the cross bar 40, that coupled with the surface 48 ofthe crossbar 40, support weights 50. These weights 50 are such that theycan be added or removed by the user (as shown by the hand 51), dependingon the dryness (tightness) of the concrete. These weights 50 aretypically small weights, with holes in the middle, but other shapes andconfigurations of weights and corresponding weight holders on the crossbar 40 are also suitable.

[0041] This arrangement of weights 50 allows the apparatus 20 to beweighted adjustably, such that the concrete 22 can be imprinteduniformly, even though different portions of the concrete 22 areimprinted when the concrete 22 is at different stages of tightening(hardening). By allowing for adjustable weighting, a single apparatus 20can be used for the entire area of concrete 22 that has been poured.

[0042] The stamp or imprint 26 defining the outer surface 28 of theroller 24 is typically in the layer of material 30. The stamp or imprint26 is typically a pattern, such as bricks, a texture, such as a wornsurface, or both (a pattern and a texture, for example, in variouscombinations), such as worn bricks. The layer of material 30 istypically an elastomeric or polymeric material, one such material beingurethane rubber. However, other materials are also suitable, providedthey are able to release from concrete, either alone or with theassistance of a release agent or coating.

[0043] The material layer 30 may be as thick as desired, provided thedesired imprint or stamp 26 is contained therein. This material layer 30is typically supported by foam 54 or other filling material, that fillsthe cavity 110 (and accordingly, the interior of the roller 24, defininga body 55 for the roller 24), surrounded by the material layer 30 duringmanufacturing of the roller 24, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and detailedbelow.

[0044] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus 20 can be made in a mold100. Here, the mold 100 is, for example, a rubber split mold. This mold100 includes a surface 101 (along its inner wall 102) corresponding tothe desired imprint for the material layer 30, to create the resultantstamp 26 for the roller 24 of the apparatus 20. This mold 100 is suchthat the resultant imprint or stamp 26 on the material layer 30 of theroller 24 is seamless, such that the stamped concrete has a consistentand uninterrupted pattern.

[0045] A leveling stand 104 is placed below the mold 100. The surface101 of the mold 100 is then coated with a material, typically urethanerubber or other curable material, to the desired thickness, to form thematerial layer 30 that retains the imprint. The material layer 30, forexample, is a rubber layer, that is left to cure. This material layer 30surrounds a cavity 110 in the mold 100. A cap 112, for fitting over theopen end of the mold 100, is placed over the open end of the mold 100,for example in a friction fit. The cap 112 includes openings 114, 115. Arod 116, that becomes the axle 32 in the finished roller 24 is placedinto aligned openings 115, 117 (in the leveling stand 104) andtemporarily affixed in place by bolt assemblies 118 or other suitablefastening means. Once the rubber has cured, foam is added to the cavity110 through the openings 114, where it hardens (forming the body 55 forthe roller 24). The ends of the now formed roller 24 (FIGS. 1-3A and 4)can be coated with plastic or the like and smoothed over, so as tocreate a roller 24 with smooth ends.

[0046] The alternate roller 24 of FIG. 3B can be made in the mold 100similarly to that described above. Here, the rod 116 can be omitted, andthe opening 117 on the leveling stand 104 is closed. The roller 24 wouldthen be made as detailed above, with axle portions 32 a, 32 b placedinto the respective ends of the roller 24, by conventional techniques.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, an apparatus 20′, with a smaller width can bemade in accordance with that detailed above. This apparatus 20′ issimilar in construction and manufacture to the apparatus 20, detailedabove, and identical and/or similar components are numbered inaccordance with those for the apparatus 20.

[0048]FIGS. 8-10 detail an alternate apparatus 120 having an alternateroller 24′, whose material layer 30′ is thicker than the material layer30 of the apparatus 20. While components different than those from theapparatus 20 are indicated as such, identical and/or similar componentsare numbered in accordance with those for the apparatus 20.

[0049] Turning also to FIGS. 11 and 12, the apparatus 120 is, forexample, made in the mold 100 of FIGS. 5 and 6, except, a core 130 (orcore member), such as a tube or pipe, here for example, a polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe, is placed into the cavity of 110 of the mold 100. Acap 132, for fitting over the core 130, with openings 134 (for foam),135 (for the rod 116, that becomes the axle 32 in the finished roller24′) is typically placed into a frictionally fitting engagement with thecore 130 (PVC pipe). The rod 116 is placed into aligned openings 117 (inthe leveling stand 104), 135 (in the cap 132), and temporarily affixedin place by bolt assemblies 118 or other suitable fastening means, asdetailed above.

[0050] Rubber, such as urethane, or other polymeric material, typicallythat is curable, is then poured into the mold 100, in the space betweenthe surface 101 and the core 130 (PVC pipe). The rubber or otherpolymeric material then cures, to form the material layer 30′ for theroller 24′ of the apparatus 20′ shown in FIGS. 8-10. The core 130 canthen be filled with foam 54 or the like (through the cap opening 134),to form a body 55′ for the roller 24′, as detailed above. The hardeningof the foam 54 or other filler material locks the rod 116 in place.

[0051] Alternately, the rod 116 need not be included and the core 130can be filled as detailed above (with the opening 117 in the levelingstand 104 plugged, as detailed above). Axle portions, such as those 32a, 32 b of FIG. 3B, can be added to the drying or finished roller 24′ asdetailed above.

[0052] In an alternate apparatus 220, as shown in FIG. 13, a roller 24″can be made so as to have a smooth surface. This smooth surface can befrom a core 222, typically cylindrical or drum shaped or the like, orthe aforementioned core coated with a material, such as rubber, plasticor the like. A sheet 224, with the stamp 226 (of a pattern, texture, orboth), defining its outer surface 228 can then be attached to a core222, forming the roller 24″. The sheet 224 should be such that its edges230, 231 match, so as be uniform, avoiding any seams.

[0053] Turning back to FIGS. 1-3A and 4, an exemplary operation for theapparatus 20 is now described. This operation includes placing theapparatus 20 onto the poured concrete 22. The apparatus 20 is thenpulled in the direction of the arrow 23 a, such that the roller 24rotates, leaving an imprint, corresponding to the stamp 26, in a portionof the concrete 22 a. As the concrete 22 tightens, weights 50 can beadded to the apparatus 20, in particular, placed onto the posts 24 ofthe crossbar 40, such that the imprint into the concrete 22 remainsuniform. Weighting (as well as removal of weights 50) continues for aslong as desired, depending on the tightness of the concrete 22. Thispulling of the apparatus 20 continues until all of the desired concretearea has been stamped.

[0054]FIGS. 14-16 show an apparatus 300 that is the sixth embodiment ofthe present invention. The apparatus 300 includes a roller apparatus 320and a tank 325 or other fluid source connected by a line 326. The rollerapparatus 320 is similar to the apparatus 20 (detailed above), and istherefore numbered with the same numbers to indicate identical or likecomponents. The support member 331 is similar to support member 31detailed above, but also includes rings 331 a for receiving sublines333, that branch from the line 326. The support member 331 can also beweighted in the same manner as the support member 31, as detailed above(components are numbered identically).

[0055] The sublines 333 are constructed to be retained in the rings 331a to extend beyond the support member 331, so as to provide fluid, suchas lubricant or release fluid (typically in a spray stream 335) to theroller 24 (on its surface 28). The sublines 333 typically terminate inspray nozzles 336 or the like, to allow for distribution of the fluidfrom the tank 325 over the entire roller 24.

[0056] Alternately, the sublines 333 could be positioned so as torelease fluid directly onto the concrete 370 (FIG. 17). The sublines 333could also be positioned to release fluid onto both the surface 28 ofthe roller 24 and the concrete 370 (FIG. 17).

[0057] The tank 325 is typically a vessel, closed by a lid 337 or othersimilar closure. The tank 325 is typically portable, in the form of abackpack, and includes straps 339 for receiving the arms of a user 360(FIG. 17). The tank 325 can be filled, and subsequently refilled withfluid. This fluid typically facilitates release (separation) of theroller 24 from the concrete 370 (FIG. 17), and can be fluids such as,release fluid, lubricant or the like, or combinations thereof. Forexample, these fluids may be water, oil, water-based compositions,oil-based compositions, petroleum-based compositions or the like, orcombinations thereof. One suitable fluid is a concrete release agent,commercially available under the name Matt Crete™ Release.

[0058] The line 326 extends from the tank 325 through the handle 341(similar to the handle 21 detailed above, except that it accommodatesthe line and includes openings 345 for the sub-lines 333). Alternately,a tank need not be used and the line 326 can connect to any othersprayer system.

[0059] The handle 341 also supports a grip 351, typically spring biased(movable in accordance with the arrow 352), that activates a pressuringmember (not shown), When squeezed inward, toward the handle, pressure isplaced on the line 325 by the pressuring member, causing fluid to bereleased from the sublines 333, onto the roller 24.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 17, as well as FIGS. 14-16, an exemplaryoperation for the apparatus 320 is now described. This operationincludes a user 360 placing the tank 325 onto his shoulders and movingthe roller apparatus 320 onto the poured concrete 370. The rollerapparatus 320 is then pulled in the direction of the arrow 372, suchthat the roller 24 rotates (in the direction of the arrow 374), leavingan imprint, corresponding to the stamp 376, in a portion of the concrete370 a. During the rolling process, the grip 351 is squeezed asnecessary, releasing fluid, described above, onto the surface 28 of theroller 24. This allows for an easy release of the roller 24 from theconcrete 370.

[0061] Although not shown, should a support capable of accommodatingweights be used, as the concrete 22 tightens, weights 50 can be added tothe apparatus 320. Operation would be similar to that for the apparatus20 as detailed above. Weighting (as well as removal of weights 50)continues for as long as desired, depending on the tightness of theconcrete 370. This pulling of the apparatus 320 continues until all ofthe desired concrete area has been stamped.

[0062] Turning now to FIG. 18, there is shown an alternate embodimentroller apparatus 420 for the roller apparatus 320. This apparatus 420 issimilar in all aspects to the roller apparatus 320 except that the line325 remains a single line that is positioned to deposit a single fluid(the fluid detailed above) stream 335 over the roller 24 (on its surface28). The support member 431 (similar to support members 331 and 31detailed above) includes a single ring 431 a for holding the line 325 ina position such that fluid will be released onto the surface 28 of theroller 24. This ring 431 a is typically centrally positioned on thecrossbar 40 of the support member 431, to ensure sufficient and balancedcoverage of the surface 28 of the roller 24 by the fluid.

[0063] Alternately, the line 325 can be positioned such that it releasesthe fluid directly onto the concrete 370 (FIG. 17). Also, the line 325could be positioned such that it releases fluid onto the surface 28 ofthe roller 24 and onto the concrete 370 (FIG. 17).

[0064] Thus, there has been shown and described apparatus and processesfor stamping concrete It is apparent to those skilled in the art,however, that many changes, variations, modifications, and other usesand applications for the above described embodiments are possible, andalso such changes, variations, modifications, and other uses andapplications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of theinvention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limitedonly by the claims which follow.

1. A stamping apparatus comprising: a roller, the roller including asurface defined by a stamp; and a receiver portion for receiving theroller in a rotatable engagement, the receiver portion including a barmember extending at least proximate to the ends of the roller andincluding oppositely disposed ends each of the oppositely disposed endsconfigured for weighting the roller; and, a fluid transport system, thesystem including at least one conduit for providing fluid to the rolleralong the surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least oneconduit includes at least one subline on its end, the at least onesubline configured for extending at least to the receiver portion forproviding fluid to the roller along the surface.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one subline includes a spray nozzle. 4.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one subline includes twosublines.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid transportsystem includes a fluid source in communication with the at least oneconduit.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid source includesa portable tank.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluidtransport system includes an activatable mechanism for discharging fluidfrom the at least one conduit, the activatable mechanism incommunication with the at least one conduit.
 8. (Cancelled).
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the stamp includes a pattern.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the stamp includes a texture.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the stamp includes a pattern and atexture.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver portionincludes at least one holder for holding removable weights at each ofthe oppositely disposed ends of the bar member.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the receiver portion includes: oppositely disposedlateral members; and, a cross bar defining the bar member, the crossbar, in communication with the lateral members.
 14. (Cancelled).
 15. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one holder at each of theoppositely disposed ends of the cross bar includes one holder.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising: a handle in communicationwith the receiver portion, the handle defining a housing for the atleast one conduit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stampincludes a layer of material.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein thematerial includes urethane rubber.
 19. A stamping apparatus comprising:a roller, the roller including a surface defined by a stamp; a receiverportion for receiving the roller in a rotatable engagement, the receiverportion including oppositely disposed ends, each of the oppositelydisposed ends configured for weighting the roller; and, a fluidtransport system, the system including at least one conduit forproviding fluid to the roller along the surface.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the at least one conduit includes at least one sublineon its end, the at least one subline configured for extending at leastto the receiver portion for providing fluid to the roller along thesurface.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one sublineincludes a spray nozzle.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the atleast one subline includes two sublines.
 23. The apparatus of claim 19,wherein the fluid transport system includes a fluid source incommunication with the at least one conduit.
 24. The apparatus of claim23, wherein the fluid source includes a portable tank.
 25. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein the fluid transport system includes an activatablemechanism for discharging fluid from the at least one conduit, theactivatable mechanism in communication with the at least one conduit.26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the stamp includes a pattern. 27.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the stamp includes a texture.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the stamp includes a pattern and atexture.
 29. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the receiver portionincludes at least one holder for holding removable weights at each ofthe oppositely disposed ends.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein thereceiver portion includes: oppositely disposed lateral members; and, across bar, the cross bar in communication with the lateral members. 31.The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the cross bar includes the holdersfor holding removable weights.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, whereinthe at least one holder for holding removable weights at each of theoppositely disposed ends includes one holder at each of the oppositelydisposed ends of the cross bar.
 33. The apparatus of claim 19,additionally comprising: a handle in communication with the receiverportion, the handle defining a housing for the at least one conduit. 34.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the stamp includes a layer ofmaterial.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the material includesurethane rubber.
 36. A method for stamping concrete comprising:providing a stamping apparatus comprising: a roller, the rollerincluding a surface defined by a stamp; a receiver portion for receivingthe roller in a rotatable engagement, and including oppositely disposedends configured for being weighted; and a fluid transport system, thesystem including at least one conduit for providing fluid to the rolleralong the surface; weighting the receiver portion at least at one of theoppositely disposed ends in accordance with the tightness of theconcrete being worked; moving the apparatus over the concrete beingworked for stamping the concrete in accordance with the stamp; andactivating the fluid transport system for releasing fluid onto thesurface of the roller for releasing the roller from the concrete. 37.The method of claim 36, additionally comprising: adding weight to atleast one of the oppositely disposed ends of the receiver portion. 38.The method of claim 37, additionally comprising: taking at least aportion of the added weight off of at least one of the oppositelydisposed ends of the receiver portion.
 39. A method for stampingconcrete comprising: providing a stamping apparatus comprising: aroller, the roller including a surface defined by a stamp; a receiverportion including oppositely disposed ends for receiving the roller in arotatable engagement, the oppositely disposed ends of the receiverportion configured for being weighted for weighting the roller at theends of the roller; and a fluid transport system, the system includingat least one conduit for providing fluid to the roller along thesurface; weighting the receiver portion at least at one of theoppositely disposed ends to weight at least one of the ends of theroller in accordance with the tightness of the concrete being worked;moving the apparatus over the concrete being worked for stamping theconcrete in accordance with the stamp; and activating the fluidtransport system for releasing fluid onto the surface of the roller forreleasing the roller from the concrete.
 40. The method of claim 39,wherein the weighting the receiver portion includes adding weight to atleast one of the oppositely disposed ends of the receiver portion. 41.The method of claim 39, wherein the weighting the receiver portionincludes removing weight from at least one of the oppositely disposedends of the receiver portion.
 42. The method of claim 39, wherein theweighting the receiver portion includes not removing weight and notadding weight to both of the oppositely disposed ends of the receiverportion.
 43. A method for stamping concrete comprising: providing astamping apparatus comprising: a roller, the roller including a surfacedefined by a stamp; a receiver portion for receiving the roller in arotatable engagement, and including oppositely disposed ends configuredfor being weighted; and a fluid transport system, the system includingat least one conduit for providing fluid for releasing the roller fromconcrete; weighting the receiver portion at least at one of theoppositely disposed ends in accordance with the tightness of theconcrete being worked; moving the apparatus over the concrete beingworked for stamping the concrete in accordance with the stamp; andactivating the fluid transport system for releasing fluid onto at leastthe concrete proximate to the roller, allowing for release of the rollerfrom the concrete.
 44. The method of claim 43, additionally comprising:adding weight to at least one of the oppositely disposed ends of thereceiver portion.
 45. The method of claim 44, additionally comprising:taking at least a portion of the added weight off of at least one of theoppositely disposed ends of the receiver portion.